Meet the worm, friend of the gardener

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The air was heavy, the heat intrusive but still the members of the Jewish community came to the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Sea View to celebrate Lag B’omer and Earth Day. Mothers, fathers and grandparents brought the children to enjoy an afternoon of festivities last Sunday.

The devoted staff and volunteers of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and Chabad Lubavitch of Staten Island, clothes adhered to their skins by the perspiration, hustled about making certain that all that had been promised was available — hot dogs, fruit drinks and cups, barbecued hot dogs, spun candy, rides, games and informational stands. The young parents and children were having a grand time. I began to think it had been a mistake for me to have left my comfortable home.

But, as long as I was there, after greeting a few friends, I wandered over to a table where I thought I might get an answer to a personal question.

With the advent of spring, the urge to garden has been developing. I wondered if small plots are available somewhere for folks like me? Where vegetables can be grown! Where I could sit on a stool to do planting and eventually enjoy the fruits of my labor!

I did not get an answer to that query; instead, I had a fascinating conversation with Mark Socher, representing the NYC Compost Project. It felt like I was back in my biology class in high school. He spoke about oxygen and carbon, release and breakdown stimulating old brain cells.

There was a large, covered, clear plastic box (about 20” long, 12” wide, 12” deep). Small holes had been drilled into the sides and on the cover. In the box was a variety of decomposing foods as well as bits of deteriorating newspaper. In addition, there were handfuls of rich earth. Oh yes, there was also a family of red worms! A vital component for the development of compost!

Don’t stop reading and throw up your hands in disgust! There is no odor connected to this project. These worms are very important for the effort to succeed, a undertaking that can contribute to the greening of our country. Want to do something a little different? Something that is not beyond your physical capacity? Want to join the large numbers of New Yorkers who are already involved? Want to break up the monotony of being housebound or doing the same old thing every day? What would you use the compost for? All those plants/ herbs that give you so much pleasure!

I had the pleasure of speaking to Mark Bigelow, director of the S.I. Compost Project, about the next workshop — “Indoor Composting with Worms.” It will be on Saturday, at noon, in Building P (located next to the Staten Island’s Children’s Museum) at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Livingston.

“Get first hand experience constructing an indoor compost bin and learn about the science behind the process, the basics of maintaining a healthy bin, and how to harvest the finished compost. The activity lasts from noon to 2 p.m. There is a small $5 charge for materials. The S.I. Worm Lady will be there.”

It is requested that one register prior to the workshop. Email compost@snug-harbor.org or call 718-425-3557. You will be provided with a starter kit for indoor composting, including those lovely worms. Don’t worry, gloves are also provided. There is more information at www.nyccompost.org.